I need help fast.

[Reesy]

Our little bearded dragon is acting like he/she is going down. We have been giving it 2 dozen small crickets everyother day and fresh spring mix at all other feedings. The day before yesterday it acted just fine, ate like a pig. crickets and greens. Yesterday we took note that it was just laying around all day, not active at all. Today, same thing. We are very concerned. Does anybody have any advice for us as to what to look for. Eyes are clear, seems to be breathing fine. 2 days ago it had a fat happy belly today it looks very skinny. Please help.

[Juliemay13]

I'm not sure if this might be occuring with yours but the only problem I've had exp with was a suspected impaction. It happened with 2 diff baby beardies and both times they became very listless and showed partial paralysis on their lower body (literally dragging their back legs).

This came on very suddenly each time. I fed them some ripe mashed up bananas and it cleared it very quickly for them. I hope your beardie is ok!

[Reesy]

Back legs seem fine, it just doesn't seem to have the usual spunk. I check the temps today, I think it may be too cool. The cool side is 79F and the basking spot is 86F.

[Juliemay13]

Good! Yea, I think you're right about the temps. I keep my cool sides around 83-85 and the hot spots (elevated) at 100-105.

[Reesy]

It is in a 10 gallon tank with a full length 10.0 UVB bulb along the fron of the tank and a 40 watt red heat lamp over the basking spot. I'm afraid to use a stronger bulb for the basking spot. Afraid I'll cook the little bugger. We do have an adult female, she has a 100 watt basking spot. Her temp is 98F.

[maverickgtr]

You're going to need a bigger tank than a 10 gallon. Sounds like it was just the temps being too low. If it happens again, or she doesn't perk up try giving her a warm bath to get her temperature up, but also if she's impacted and you give her a slightly warm bath and "massage" her stomach, then you might be able to feel the impaction, or it'll help her poo a little easier. My beardie almost always poos in her baths, even if she's already poo'd that day. I swear she just likes to watch me clean up after her...

[BPelizabeth]

I would say temps are too low for him. Also be sure you are giving him a bath once a week and that he is pooing. Little beardies should be fed crickets everyday and they should also have greens everyday as well. They usually will poo everyday as well. If the temps are not correct they cannot digest their food and it can go rancid in their belly. Definetly get those temps up asap so he can digest his food.

[alohareptiles]

x2 on all the great suggestions about the temps. I fully agree...

Has the little beardie shed recently or about to go into shed? A couple of mine act mellower during the shed process, but once they shed, they're back to normal. One even goes on a day or two diet it appears.

The main thing is temps, bugs/greens and you see daily poops. The bath is a great place for that like said earlier. My pistol girl will run around, stop and look at me all puffed up, then squeeze and shoot poops in the nice clean bath.

[Reesy]

I got Cricket's temps up and also added some greenery to his/her tank. Cricket seems much happier now. Here's a pic. Thanks to everybody that gave their help and advice.

[Atrax]

What a cool little guy, hope he's doing fine now!